Type-S adds performance edge to Acura TL

Type-S adds performance edge to Acura TL

2007 Acura TL Type-S
By: Rob Beintema

Someone once said that “toughness doesn’t have to come in a pinstripe suit”. But it’s kind of nice when it does.

For years, the Acura TL has exemplified the kind of pinstriped elegance expected from the heart of Honda’s premium lineup. Acura’s best-selling, mid-size TL was based on the Accord and first launched in 1996, but the third generation version that debuted in 2003 is the model that really counts. It was a North American-designed masterpiece with a new blend of entry-level premium performance and a technophile’s wish list of expanded amenities. And building on the full complement of the 2004 model’s lengthy slate of sophisticated equipment, the TL has steadily upgraded with leading edge and trendy technologies that have become an expected part of Acura’s hi-tech reputation.

As for the “toughness” angle, well, the TL has occasionally ventured towards the wild side with A-Spec and Type-S offerings that pumped up the performance and pushed the styling envelope just that little bit further.

And for 2007, the Type-S has returned once more, bolstering an already improved TL that has been revised inside and out.

The base TL – and I hate to label it “base” because it comes loaded with everything except the optional NAVI system – harnesses a 3.2-litre VTEC V-6 engine that produces 258 hp at 6200 rpm and 233 lb-ft of torque at 5000 rpm. It starts at $42,500.

But let’s concentrate on the Type-S model, as tested here, which builds on TL improvements with the simple, time-honoured formula of stuffing a bigger engine in a smaller car. The 3.5-litre VTEC V-6 engine, virtually the same engine as in the bigger brother RL, harnesses 286 horsepower at 6200 rpm with a beefier torque curve of 256 lb-ft at 5000 rpm. This is a muscular motor that pulls with a lusty power moan when you stab the go pedal and it can be mated to a choice of either a new 5-speed automatic that features F1-style paddle shifters on the steering wheel or a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission.

My car came with the 6-speed manual, a transmission often best served up in a smaller, more maneuverable package but, with the available power, the not-too-big-to-be-agile mid-size dimensions and slick Honda shifter, the Type-S lived up to its sporty promise with plenty of panache.

There is always, however, one hindrance to Acura performance. And that is front-wheel drive. Fine for earlier Japanese premium offerings that were nothing more than “gold-plated” upgrades of the regular lineup. But as European sports sedans have moved the premium market more to the performance side, Japanese premium brands have had to follow suit, shifting to rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive platforms. Acura utilizes a limited-slip differential to handle the torque steer in their front-wheel drive systems but they have still fallen behind Lexus and Infiniti when it comes to new, more capable platforms.

The answer is already in the works. The TL is slated for a major re-design by 2008 or 2009, and the new model will probably adopt the SH-AWD (Super Handling, All-Wheel Drive) system now offered in the RL. Along with other improvements, possibly a 3.7-litre engine. There are even rumours of a TL Coupe.

But in the meantime, Type-S power and handling is buttressed by a suspension tuned for enhanced handling, a tire pressure monitoring system, four-piston Brembo front brakes, 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist and Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with Traction Control.

Yes, I did mention “technologies” earlier in the story, didn’t I?

Well, slip into the well-bolstered sport seats and take in the sights, sounds, and use all the senses to absorb the technologies offered in the Type-S.

There seem to be enough knobs and controls for a fighter plane. I counted thirteen buttons on the steering wheel alone.

To start with, the TL Type-S includes power seats for both the driver and front passenger, and keyless entry with a new One Touch Start system on models with an automatic transmission.

You’ve probably seen the TL television ad where the driver operates everything from telephone to temperature by voice command. The Acura Satellite-Linked Navigation System comes standard in the Type-S and recognizes up to 600 verbal commands in both official Canadian languages, even taking into account regional accents and comes with a choice of real-time directions by voice or guiding map display. The HandsFreeLink Bluetooth technology allows drivers to synchronize their cell phone and its address book with the car’s phone system.

The standard 225-watt Acura/ELS Surround Premium 8-speaker Sound System is a 6-disc CD, DVD-Audio system. The added sound dimensions of this audio system blew me away when it broke ground as the first standard application of DVD-Audio in a production vehicle at the launch of the 2004 TL. For 2007, it is updated to play discs encoded with WMA and MP3 music files, and features Dolby Pro Logic II and speed-sensitive volume compensation. The audio system also integrates the Active Noise Cancellation, a wavelength that reduces cabin noise while cruising.

All these goodies are wrapped up in a Type-S package exterior that features funky wheels, exclusive front and rear fascias with unique bumpers, black chrome trim, wider side sills, a decklid spoiler, quad exhaust finishers and just enough boy-racer edginess added to the upscale flavour to add visual excitement without corrupting the TL’s inherent classiness.

Officially, there aren’t any options but along with functional extras like rear parking sensors, there is a list of accessories that will allow owners to personalize their TLs even further.

Yup, it’s an impressive car. An interesting mix of luxury and muscle. And, in this particular case, in a white car that still managed to look tough, and just a little nasty somehow. In an elegant, not exactly pinstriped kind of way.


ACURA TL TYPE-S 2007 AT A GLANCE

BODY STYLE: Mid-size sport sedan.

DRIVE METHOD: front-engine, front-wheel-drive.

ENGINE: TL Type-S 3.5-litre VTEC V-6 engine, 286 hp @ 6200 rpm/256 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm

FUEL ECONOMY: 6-speed manual 11.6L/7.3L/100km (City/Hwy)

PRICE: $46,300

WEBSITE: acura.ca

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